Three Petals + one stem = Mum’s the Word, Day Four

[IvyandLace]

Date: May 11th, 2003
AM Plans: MGM
Lunch: Sci Fi Diner
PM Plans: Epcot, Fantasia Golf, and IllumiNations
Dinner: Yachtsman Steakhouse with PS at 5:30pm

Today dawns bright, hot, and cloudless, and we three petals are up early to make the most of Mother’s Day! (We leave “Pete” a detailed note on where and when to meet and what to wear-matching white Mickey Flag shirts-and tiptoe out so that he can sleep.) As we head to MGM “Mum” calls home to talk to my grandma, and we all get to gush about the parks, the flowers, the heat, and the fun. “Mum” is touched to be offered a carnation upon entrance to MGM, and “T” Rose gets a bit of a laugh when the security guard searching her pack pulls out her roll of Duck tape with a quizzical look. “No, I’m not planning on using that to tape someone up,” she offers cheerfully. “It actually works great to prevent blisters.” (Yeah, good cover, “T”!)

We all get a giggle out of the confrontation, but soon our laughing days are over. We are approaching…Da-Dah-Dum (insert any appropriate suspense theme here)…the Hollywood Tower of Terror! We swipe a fastpass even though we don’t really need one-it’s a walk on! -and gleefully-I mean, gloomfully skulk toward the library. I love the dusty furniture and especially the dead stalks in the cracked planters outside. And the music is classic! We three petals assume our rich matronly personas and flip our imaginary furs over our shoulders in disgust as we are lead-aghast! -to the service elevators. Once aboard I immediately begin to meditate (“I will not die!” “I will not die!”) and then it’s here! The drops! Woo hoo! I have such a love-hate relationship with this ride, but the new drop sequence suckers me in again. The next time through we are laughing so hard over the way we (and everything not tied down-pin lanyards, Passporter pouches, hairpieces, etc.) are floating! It’s great! Two thumbs up from this TOT wimp.

“T” Rose and I head to Rock and Roller Coaster next while “Mum” takes in her morning java. Reminiscing about our last ride on RNRC with our nephew brings both a smile and a tear so we have to ride in his honor. I just love those marble doors as you walk through the queue and “T” Rose and I wait an extra…oh, two minutes to ride smack-dab in the front. Let the good times roll!

With our new wind-blown look, “T” Rose and I grab “Mum” and meander back down Sunset Blvd. We just have to pin shop under the “big hat.” Someone has told us about personalized lanyards you can purchase in MGM, and we just have to find out where! Though we buy more pins-how could we resist? -we’re told that the 5&10 on Hollywood Avenue was the place for those lanyards. We vow to order some today before we leave for Epcot.

Our tummies are kind of grumbly now, and we’re all thinking the same thing-Sci Fi Diner, here we come! We get there right as it opens (11am) and even without a PS we are able to breeze into a table about 10 minutes later! We shop in the adjacent store while waiting and buy up mugs, CDs and postcards. (We even spot a Haunted Mansion clue game, exclusive to the parks but just gawk in wonder!) Soon enough we are at our car and introduced to our server, another Drew. What luck! He’s sarcastic and pokes fun when “Mum” orders a sundae for lunch-he even chides me with his dry wit as he catches me pouring fresh ice tea into my Brita bottle for later consumption. (“Oh, great…now we’re stealing?!”) We are not hard sells when it comes to the glow cubes-we’re buying them for our “kids”…really! -but Drew makes me put one in each eye and one in my mouth for a really silly picture. This guy is a hoot, and we always love the food and atmosphere Sci Fi has to offer. What a great (spontaneous) Mother’s Day lunch with just the girls! Upon leaving, I scribble a note to Drew that reads: “Hey, Drew…thanks for nothing. Better luck next time. And, yes, I stole your pen” and stuck it with his tip. (Note to self-never lose your sense of humor!)

We are pleasantly stuffed and ready for more giggles so off we go to view Muppets 3-D. We wander around the waiting room filled with props prior to the movie, and “T” Rose searches for a net full of Jell-O. “Someone on the DISboard said it has to do with Annette Funnicello”, she mumbles in puzzlement…and then it hits us!! (People around us are looking a little bit nervous which makes us laugh even harder!) The Muppets 3-D film will remain forever as one of our very favorite attractions at “da World.” I especially like how the theater appears to blow up (with cracks and holes in the wall), and “T’s” eyes just sparkle with laughter when Miss Piggy’s special number comes on the screen.

After the movie we make ourselves stay on task (well, to be honest, we take a brief detour to pull the rope at Indiana Jones, something that “T” has been wanting to do) and start trying to reach “Pete” via walkie-talkie since it’s noon, our meeting time in Epcot. (So we got a little distracted…I blame it on Drew.) Every once in awhile we would hear “Pete’s” voice cut through the static, but we mostly hear the usual-“Are you there?” “Mom? Mom?” In my slightly sadistic way, I feel compelled to add to the chaos (as “Pete” himself admits to doing in Epcot to amuse himself while he waits) and periodically throw in my own vague but insistent questions-“Is that you?” “Where are you?” Such innocent fun. “Mum” and “T” Rose just shake their heads as we march to the 5&10 to order our personalized embroidered lanyards. (Pete and I will pick these up tomorrow.) Then it’s out to catch the boat to Epcot.

Boy, am I sweaty, and my legs feel really…weird. Upon inspection my calves appear swollen and blotchy red…I think I have heat rash! I break out my Dove refresher wipes (a lifesaver), and “T” Rose twists up my hair for me as we three petals chatter away in the sunshine. As soon as we are through the gates (of Epcot, that is) we immediately hear “Pete” calling. We have a festive meeting in France with me immediately saying, “I said to wear the white Mickey flag shirt” to him. (He’s dressed in tomorrow’s navy Mickey shirt!) Well, we always say that “Pete” likes to be different!  We decide to head to the American Adventure since “T” Rose really wants to view it (all of us others saw it together last trip.) Voices of Liberty makes us want to stand and recite the pledge of allegiance. I love their costume and the way their voices mesh together to fill the marble atrium of the AA building.

After only having to elbow “T” Rose once during the presentation (hey, that air-conditioning feels good!), we all agree that AA beats the Hall of Presidents, hands down. “T” Rose and I especially like the song at the end (“America, spread their golden wing”) and sing it opera-style to the horror of those around us as we leave the theater. (Note to self-don’t quit your day job!)

“Mum” has never taken the Friendship boats across the lake so that’s where we head next. While we wait for the next transport and “Pete” gives “T” Rose an impromptu history lesson-you can take him out of the classroom, but he never stops teaching-we spot a masked guy in Italy who pantomimes with guests. Very unusual. We also glimpse the globe for IllumiNations moving toward its place for tonight’s performance. Though it’s hot the sky is a beautiful blue and the spectrum of the Flower-and-Garden Festival flowers adds color and festivity to World Showcase.

It’s time for us to wander to Canada for our free Mother’s Day photo! There is hardly a wait and no sooner are we arranged near bunches of flowers that we’re done. (Did I even smile? I’ll have to wait and see!) We then head for another spin on TT (singles’ line-no Drew today) and after many more pictures of Mission Space and lots of flowers, we decide to brave the heat to view the special topiaries at China, Italy, Germany and France. I especially like the Snow White topiary complete with red shoe in Germany.

5:30pm is rapidly approaching so we head toward the Yacht Club and after a stop to freshen up and directions to the Yachtsman Steakhouse, we sit down to a beautiful, quiet and cool restaurant. They have a wonderful Mother’s Day menu (with a set price at ~$45.00 per person)-we all get to pick an appetizer, entrée and dessert. I love the crab cake appetizer as well as the fresh mozzarella with basil leaves and tomatoes. Yum! We enjoy the “cut with a butter knife” tender filet mignon only to be followed by the best of the best…dessert! I can tell “Mum” is practically salivating as we choose our “weapon”-“Pete” and “T” Rose inhale their ultra rich, smooth-as-silk Jack Daniel’s cake, “Mum” is experiencing dessert “nirvana” with her white chocolate cheesecake and I savor every fabulous bite of my crème brulee` complete with fresh berries. What a wonderful meal! We feel so superbly treated (our waitress had a full-time job just keeping our water glasses filled!), and our food so luscious! We especially enjoy the generally more formal environment with very few children present. We even see a bride and groom as they make their way to their reception! We will definitely be back!

We waddle back to the humidity with satisfied smiles on our faces and make our way to Fantasia Gardens. “Mum” and “T” Rose take on the fun “Fantasia” part while I am forced by faux-knife point to play the par-three and four course with “Pete”. (Help!) I don’t last long, I’m afraid to admit. As the sun sets, the bugs come out! Unfortunately “Mum” and “T” Rose run into a number of wild unsupervised children who they eventually have to go around, skipping a number of holes. Needless to say, I will not do that par-three course again until I am asked to join the LPGA. It’s that hard. I much prefer the “Fantasia” golf side.

At this point, I am drenched in sweat, and my calves are really red and swollen. I’m ready to sit down and cool off! “Mum”, “T” Rose and I know now that we will NOT be visiting WDW next summer as proposed-our big family trip take place in the much cooler fall! As we sit on the steps near the International Gateway awaiting IllumiNations and people watch, we absolutely cannot imagine how people tour “da World” in the summer months. Sure the hours are longer, but…the heat!! The crowds! No thanks.

IllumiNations, as always, lifts our spirits and brings whispers of coolness to our souls. So magical-the perfect ending to this Mother’s Day!

Weeds-go away!

1. Ugh…what else?…the heat!
2. Meeting up with “Pete”-oops! We were an hour late!
3. Oh, no! Heat rash!
4. Stupid mini golf. (So I’m not a golfer…)
5. Knowing that tomorrow’s our last day!

Blooms of the day


1. Starting the day with the three girls and Mother’s Day at WDW with my mom!
2. Having the time to do what we wanted-take in the theming of MGM and Epcot and tour at a slower pace
3. Enjoying the new TOT drop sequences-can we go again!?
4. Sci Fi Diner, glow cubes, and Drew! Great spontaneous meal!
5. More pins…and ordering our newly embroidered personalized lanyards
6. All those fantastic topiaries around WS!
7. Our Mother’s Day photo, free and there were a number of stations around WS (and ours turned out GREAT!)
8. THE YACHTSMAN STEAKHOUSE and our wonderful meals! It ranks #1 this trip by far…and so special for Mother’s Day!
9. The music, the magic, the moving performance of IllumiNations!

 

[Minniespal]

Thanks for sharing ~ Wonderful reviews!!!!!

 

[Marla Hellwig]

A very nice way to spend Mother's Day - at WDW - thanks for posting!